You can use an automotive engine, I would just suggest changing the camshaft to a marine profile. Usually a high lift, short duration with a stretched out lobe separation designed for torque. Not to go all technical, but usually an R/V cam works well. You don't want a choppy cam like in a street car because they only flow well at higher r.p.m.'s. You'll want the cam to be smooth and designed for power between idle and say 4800 r.p.m. or so. It's way cheaper to change a cam than buy a "marine" engine if you're trying to save a few bucks. Use marine electrical equipment such as starters and ignitions like blue heron said but you can use an automotive engine. I've been doing it for years. Look into freshwater cooling though. It's worth the thousand bucks or so.
Last edited by CATmech945; 06-20-2012 at 02:37 PM.
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